Whitefish Bay School Crossings Slated for Improvements

Four intersections near Whitefish Bay schools are moving closer to permanent safety improvements, with construction planned for summer 2027.

The locations serve walking routes near Richards Elementary, Cumberland Elementary and St. Monica School. Planned changes include curb extensions, also called bump-outs, and other intersection improvements intended to reduce crash risks for children walking and biking to school.

According to the Village Board’s October 5 agenda packet, design work is 90% complete. Final plans, specifications and estimates are expected by November 1, 2026.

Which intersections will change?

The village’s latest project memo identifies four locations:

• Santa Monica Boulevard and Belle Avenue: Bump-outs and intersection improvements near Richards Elementary School.

• Santa Monica Boulevard and Day Avenue: Bump-outs and intersection improvements near Richards Elementary School.

• Beaumont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard: Intersection improvements near St. Monica School.

• Ardmore Avenue and Hampton Road: Bump-outs and intersection improvements near Cumberland Elementary School.

The Village Board previously approved these project locations. Public feedback and survey results from the temporary traffic-calming phase have been reviewed by the project team as it develops the permanent designs.

What does a bump-out do?

A bump-out extends the curb and sidewalk farther into the street at a crossing, shortening the distance pedestrians need to travel across the roadway.

The Federal Highway Administration explains that curb extensions can also make people waiting at a corner more visible to drivers and give pedestrians a better view of approaching traffic.

For families, that can mean less time crossing the street and clearer sightlines at intersections used on the way to school. The exact layout at each Whitefish Bay location will depend on the final design.

Why these school routes?

The village’s project memo emphasizes Whitefish Bay’s high level of walking and biking, including children traveling to its eight public and private schools across five school-zone areas.

The work draws on a school-zone engineering study completed in 2022 and the villagewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Study accepted in 2025. The goal is to reduce crash risks for vulnerable road users.

For background, read our earlier coverage of Whitefish Bay’s plan to improve safety for families on foot and bike. The village also maintains an official bicycle and pedestrian safety page with study links and information about related improvements.

When will construction happen?

Construction is planned for summer 2027. The October 5 memo does not provide specific start or completion dates for the individual intersections.

At its October 5 meeting, the Village Board is scheduled to consider a construction administration contract with The Sigma Group. That work would include help with bidding, construction inspections, traffic-control coordination and public updates.

How much will it cost?

The village estimates the full project at $917,206, including design, construction administration, construction and contingencies. Construction itself is estimated at $642,528.

The identified project budget totals $922,600, combining a Wisconsin Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program grant, funding from Tax Incremental District No. 3 and village funding.

The school crossings are another part of Whitefish Bay’s ongoing street-safety work. For changes closer to downtown shops and restaurants, see our update on construction and pedestrian improvements around Silver Spring Drive and Sendik’s.

Information reflects the materials prepared for the October 5, 2026 Village Board meeting. Construction timing and final designs remain subject to change.